An autumn trip to Askrigg has now become a regular event. The weather was mixed, sometimes too wet for using watercolour outside. However the three pictures presented here were all done, at least in part, en plein air. The degree of finish reflects the time I had available (and how cold I got before I gave in).
First up, two views of the village
Askrigg 1 – Above the village looking south
Mixed media, watercolour, inks, pastel, 14×10, plein air foundation, finished inside (5 hours in total).
I love the backdrop provided by Addleborough, this was a very windy day. I set out about 4-00pm using the field wall as shelter and was able to get the long evening shadows and the iridescent light when the almost vertical sunlight contrasts with and comes through gaps in the dark cloud. I captured the foundations of the scene and took some photographs for the light. The painting was completed in the flat next day (so I didn’t mind that it rained).
Askrigg 2 – Below the village looking North West
Mixed media, watercolour, inks, pastel, 14×10, plein air foundation, finished inside (3 hours in total).
This was a struggle. I particularly wanted evening light and it was a lovely sunny morning, as you can see from the action shot (see notebook extracts) although the sun stayed visible it was filtered through high cirrus and it became dull and quite cold with the wind chill. I managed 1 hours work outside but had to up sticks when it started damping. I was able to do a further 2 hours work inside. This was an almost continuous process because our flat is only 5 minutes walk away from this spot.
Middleham Castle
Pen and Wash Sketch, en plain air, ala prima, 1 ½ hours
Out of the town square a path runs alongside the castle and opens out into a large field, it makes a great vantage point. I deliberately completed this pen and wash fast to keep it fresh.
Notebook Extracts
Here are extracts from my notebook and some work-in-progress shots.
